Technology that may free us from oil!

Ford’s Auto Stop/Start Technology

Automakers have been fooling around for a while with “Mild Hybrid” technology. A simple mild hybrid is an Internal Combustion Engine powered vehicle, with a cheap seats approach to saving fuel and lowering emissions, by shutting the engine off at idle.

If you’ve not experienced this before, a mild panic may ensue… but, plan on getting used to it… it’s the way of the future.

Ford committed to bring its patented engine idle-off technology, called “Auto Stop/Start”, to the U.S. market in 2012, where it will find its way into conventional cars, crossovers and SUVs.

Idle-off technology is a standard feature in hybrid vehicles. If you don’t drive a hybrid, and you’ve been stuck in traffic, or waiting in a fast food drive-in line, you’ll immediately see the value of engine idle-off technology. Basically, you and your fellow drivers will no longer stink up the place. On top of that, Ford believes that the average driver will see a four percent increase in fuel economy, and may see as much as ten percent.

There are three key components to Ford’s system: an enhanced 12-volt battery, a beefier starter motor and a “voltage quality module” which makes sure that all the accessories function while the engine’s off. So, come to a stop, foot on the brake and the engine shuts off – YAY zero emissions! Take your foot off the brake and the engine restarts and you’re on your way. A light on the dash provides additional feedback when the engine’s off and a tachometer sends the RPM indicator to the “Green” zone.

The Belt Alternator Starter system, or BAS-hybrid, is an even cheaper-seats version of Ford’s more-sophisticated, and patented, technology. GM used this type of system in its now-defunct Saturn VUE Green Line (below).

Stop/Start technology is one of many small steps to lower our dependence on oil.